When to replace motorcycle tyres

There are many factors which can determine whether you're in need of motorcycle tyre replacement. From uneven tyre wear to cupping or scalping of the tyre, find out when to replace motorcycle tyres today from our detailed guide.

Motorbike tyre replacement

Do I need new motorcycle tyres?

Tyre Wear

One of the most common indicators that you need to replace your motorcycle tyres is visible tyre wear. Wear and tear are common in both car tyres and motorcycle tyres, and is unavoidable over a long period of time.

However, to be able to measure whether your tyres have worn enough to require replacement motorbike tyres, the Tyre Wear Indicator (TWI) on the sidewall of the tyre can help. Shown as a triangular arrow, the Tyre Wear Indicator denotes the level of wear after which your motorbike tyre should not be used any further. If the curved surface of the tyre wears out up to the TWI mark, this is a clear sign you need new motorbike tyres.

Other forms of tyre wear that can incur motorbike tyre replacement are:

• Tyre tread - referring to the shape of the tyre, if the tyre is in worn into a squared position, this indicates the tyres are beginning to wear from the centre portion of the tread, and they should be replaced.
• Cupping/scalping - this is where the tyre gets worn out along the length of the tread, which can lead to stability issues. If you've noticed your tyres getting scalped from the sides, it may be worth getting your suspension professionally serviced - as this can be due to poor suspension set up.

Age

The age of the tyre is a big factor in terms of motorbike tyre replacement. Typically, a tyre manufacturer will likely recommend that most tyres should be changed every five years, if not before.

The lifespan and longevity of your motorcycle tyres can also be determined from the quality of the material, such as whether they are premium or budget tyres. Premium tyres are likely to improve the lifespan of your tyres, whereas budget tyres are likely to decrease it.

Unsure when the tyre was manufactured? The date of manufacturing can be found on the tyre itself - look out for a four-digit number.

Think you're in need of motorbike tyre replacement? Find out more about our range of motorcycle tyres available to purchase from your local PTA Garages. If you're unsure which motorbike tyres you should choose, read our detailed guide for more information and advice.